Golden Summit temple of Mount Emei above a sea of clouds

Photo: Pexels

Mount Emei

Emei Shan

Sacred Buddhist mountain — golden temples above the clouds

Elevation 3,099m
Province Sichuan
Difficulty Hard
Best Season April, May, June, September, October
Duration 2-3 days
Scenery 4/5 Hiking 4/5 UNESCO

About Mount Emei

Mount Emei rises dramatically from the Sichuan basin to over 3,000m. For two millennia it has been one of China's most important Buddhist sites, with the Golden Summit temple complex emerging from a sea of clouds.

Mountain Facts

Geology
Limestone/Granite
Protected Area
623 km2
Nearest City
Emeishan City
Entry Ticket
CNY 160
UNESCO Status
World Heritage Site since 1996
Our Ratings
Scenery 4/5 · Hiking 4/5 · Culture 5/5 · Access 3/5

Cultural Significance

Sacred to Buddhism for 2,000 years. The Golden Summit at 3,099m features a massive gilded Buddha statue.

Highlights

  • • Golden Summit (Jinding)
  • • Wannian Temple (4th century)
  • • Baoguo Temple
  • • Monkey Zone
  • • The 50km pilgrimage trail

When to Go

Spring (March to May): Azaleas bloom at higher elevations, temperatures are comfortable (10-20 C), and the forest is lush green. A beautiful season for the full pilgrimage hike. Summer (June to August): Warm (15-25 C at summit) but often foggy and rainy. The forest is at its greenest. Summer vacation crowds (July-August) are the heaviest. Afternoon thunderstorms are common — start early. Autumn (September to November): The best season. Clear skies, crisp air, golden foliage, and the highest probability of the Sea of Clouds and Buddha's Light phenomena. October is peak month — book accommodations ahead. Winter (December to February): Snow-covered and magical. The Golden Summit under snow with the massive golden Samantabhadra statue emerging from mist is one of China's most striking winter scenes. Cable cars operate year-round. Temperatures at the summit drop to -10 C.

How to Get There

By Air: Fly to Chengdu Shuangliu or Tianfu International Airport. From Chengdu, the high-speed train (Chengdu East or South to Emeishan Station) takes about 1 hour, with frequent departures through the day. By High-Speed Train: Emeishan Station is on the Chengdu-Leshan line (1h from Chengdu, 30 min from Leshan and the Giant Buddha). From the station, bus No. 5 or taxis reach the Baoguo Temple entrance at the foot of the mountain in 15 minutes. The classic full-pilgrimage climb starts at Baoguo Temple: 50km of stone steps to the Golden Summit taking 2-3 days, with temples offering simple accommodation along the way. Most visitors instead take the scenic shuttle buses (CNY 90 round trip) up the mountain road to Leidongping, then walk 1.5-2 hours or take the cable car (CNY 55-65) to the Golden Summit (3,079m). Entry Fee: CNY 160 (peak) / CNY 110 (off-peak). Note the summit area sits at 2,500m+ — carry warm layers even in summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to climb Mount Emei? +
The full pilgrimage route from Baoguo Temple at the base to the Golden Summit at 3,099m is approximately 50km and takes 2-3 days of hiking. Most visitors take a bus (2 hours) to Leidongping at 2,430m, then hike the final 7.5km (2-3 hours) or take the cable car to the summit. The full pilgrimage on foot is a significant undertaking — dozens of temples line the route, and you can stay overnight at monasteries along the way.
Can I see the famous Sea of Clouds at Emei? +
Yes — the Sea of Clouds at the Golden Summit is one of Emei's Four Wonders. It is most common in autumn (September-November) and winter (December-February) when temperature inversions trap clouds below the summit. On the clearest days, you can see Mount Gongga (7,556m) on the western horizon, over 200km away. The Buddha's Light optical phenomenon — a rainbow halo around your shadow in the mist — is another famous Emei spectacle.
Are the monkeys on Mount Emei dangerous? +
Emei's Tibetan macaques are famously bold. They have learned that tourists carry food and will aggressively snatch bags, unzip backpacks, and grab visible snacks. Do not carry food in your hands or visible pockets. Do not make eye contact or bare your teeth (they interpret this as aggression). Do not feed them — it encourages aggressive behavior and park regulations prohibit feeding. If a monkey approaches, stay calm, keep your hands close to your body, and walk slowly away. A hiking pole can be used to gently deter them.
What makes Mount Emei culturally significant? +
Mount Emei is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, dedicated to Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (Puxian), the bodhisattva of universal virtue and practice. Buddhism arrived here in the 1st century AD, and at its peak there were over 100 temples on the mountain. The 48-meter golden statue of Samantabhadra at the Golden Summit, completed in 2006, is one of the tallest Buddhist statues in the world. UNESCO designated Emei a World Heritage Site in 1996 for both its natural and cultural value.
When is the best time to visit Mount Emei? +
Spring (March-May) brings blooming azaleas, especially at higher elevations, and comfortable hiking temperatures (10-20 C). Autumn (September-November) offers the clearest skies and best visibility — this is peak season. Summer (June-August) is warm and lush but often foggy and rainy. Winter (December-February) transforms Emei into a snow-covered wonderland — the Golden Summit under snow with the golden Samantabhadra statue emerging from mist is unforgettable. Cable cars operate year-round. Avoid Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Chinese New Year.

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